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If you move to a new residence, it can be a doggone hard time for a pet.

A life transition for a pet can be difficult, and if your move requires an indoor/outdoor or strictly outdoor-residing cat or dog to become an indoor pet, it can be an especially challenging experience.

Dr. Bonnie Beaver, professor in Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences and animal behavior expert, offers some great tips to introduce your pet to a new lifestyle.

“The most difficult animal to introduce to an all-indoor life is the cat,” explained Beaver. “They can be very persistent about returning to the outdoors.”

She explains that cats can often try to escape houses and apartments by sneaking through doors as people enter and exit the home. Keeping a close eye on cats can be imperative to insuring your cat remains in the home, Beaver says.

You can also allow your cat to experience the outdoors by teaching it to walk on a harness, or allowing it to sit on the balcony of an apartment, but owners should be sure that the balcony is safe. Putting netting or some kind of fence can make the balcony a safe and enjoyable way for your cat to get fresh air.

The same is true of windows, Beaver says, and care should be taken to make certain that cats cannot push screens out of windows. This can reduce the chance of your cat running away or falling multiple stories, possibly causing a serious injury or even death. Window hammocks or boxes are also great for cats, and they are secure ways to keep them comfortable and enjoy some degree of the outdoors.

Transitioning to an all-indoor lifestyle can also be difficult for dogs, who usually adjust better than cats, Beaver explains. Dogs typically do well if they can be around their owners, and Beaver recommends crate training the dog to help ease the process.

“While it is best to crate train puppies from an early age, crates can be excellent ways to allow dogs to have a portable home of their own,” she notes. “Gradually introducing dogs to crates by putting an old T-shirt that smells like you in it and placing treats in the crate can be great ways to create a positive place. It is a process, but one that is often very beneficial in the long-run.”

Crates can also be useful for the dog to have a “home away from home” any time you relocate, travel or have an abundance of visitors in the home. The crate can be a safe, normal place full of familiar smells and feels for dogs, Beaver adds.

She adds that it is imperative to take dogs out several times a day to relieve themselves. Not only does it reinforce good house-breaking, but also allows the dog to get some exercise. Taking the time to take dogs out and play for extended periods of time is also good for them and can keep them happy and healthy. Just always be certain to pick up after your pet, Beaver says, adding that dog parks are excellent ways to allow your dog to exercise and experience a little freedom.

When walking your dog on restroom breaks, be sure they have access to their regular “relief surface.” For instance, if it is used to going on grass, then provide it with a grassy surface. If he accustomed to using paper or “puppy pads,” provide it with that surface, Beaver says.

“Dogs become accustomed to using the restroom on certain surfaces, and it is easier for the dog if that surface can be provided while on walks to use the restroom,” says Beaver.

“One important rule to remember is to keep pets in an enriched environment,” Beaver adds. “They need things to do. Toys and activities that require mental and physical engagement are often great ways to keep your pet from being bored while you are not at home. These activities can also help keep a sense of ‘normalcy’ during moves.”

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Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the Web at http://tamunews.tamu.edu/.